Eon are cutting me off.

splodge1983

I am hoping someone can give me some advice. In the middle of last year we got into some financial difficulties and I cancelled my direct debit to Eon for my gas and electricity (stupid I know).

I knew the debt was mounting up but I buried my head in the sand and stopped opening post etc until two letters arrived at the beginning of this week advising that they were going to apply for a warrant on 26th January to enter my house and disconnect my supplies for both utilities. (The debt is over £1000)

I rang eon and asked whether I could arrange to pay £50.00 per week (and more whenever I could) to remain on my supply. I was told that they would be continuing with their action unless I could pay half the outstanding amount by today (I am currently on maternity leave from work so there is no way I could do this).

I am now absolutely terrified that I am going to come home to complete darkness and freezing cold one night. As I say, I know what I did was stupid and I feel awful about what this is going to do to us as we have 3 children under 6.

Could anyone tell me what the process will be now with regards to my disconnection and what I should do? I was going to keep ringing them any paying off as much as possible until the second they cut me off in the hope that they will see I am making an effort and halt the action.

Since ringing them earlier in the week I have contacted them twice via the internet and both times I have received replies stating there is nothing they can do to help me and the action will continue.

If anyone has some advice I would greatly appreciate it.

spiro

If it is a domestic supply it is unlikely they are going to cut you off it is more likely they are going to fit a prepayment meter. Phone them and ask exactly what they are going to do.

splodge1983

Thank you for your reply, I asked about a prepayment meter and was told that this may not be possible due to the position of our gas meter (outside) and our electricity meter (at ceiling level).

I would be quite happy for prepayment meters to be fitted as they are also going to charge me £250.00 for the warrant.

Thank you again

Meadows

I think (someone will be along to say yay or nay) that you get put on to the supplier in your area - whoever that may be - and you could be landed on a crap tariff , so as soon as you find out try to get the best tariff for you.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/consumer_energy_and_water_supply_e/consumer_energy_supply_e/faq_index_gas_and_electricity/faq_gas_and_electricity_disconnection.htm

Atidi

Why don't you contact the supplier and get something arranged?

e.g. pay off what you owe, come to a mutually agreeable repayment plan, ask for a PPM and have the debt added to that.

Application for a warrant (and the possible fees of locksmiths etc) will cost a lot and will only be added to your debt.

spiro

I have seen gas ppm in outside boxes. As for the elec meter that may be more of an issue due to the location.

Atidi

splodge1983 wrote: »

Thank you for your reply, I asked about a prepayment meter and was told that this may not be possible due to the position of our gas meter (outside) and our electricity meter (at ceiling level).

...

I think you are getting into the realms of fantasy now ... :cool:

undaunted

When you say difficulties are you on benefits? If so Fuel Direct may be an option for you. They should not disconnect you with young children in the house & in winter

http://cfe.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5488/~/information-about-fuel-direct

hpsaucey

we haver prepayment meters, gas is outside and electric in a cupboard. We find it easier to pay this way so we know how much to spend etc., we also got the £130 extra electric as partner disabled. so sometimes a meter is better its just a case of getting the best deal on standing charges etc., we r with sse and don't have any charges and the savings we would make going onto DD is about £20 a year so we not [at this point in time going to change]

Former_E.ON_Company_Representative:_Malc

Hi splodge1983

I do understand the anxiety that can be caused when you receive notice of a warrant to enter your house. However, it's very unlikely we'll be applying to disconnect your supply.

As spiro says, it's more likely we're applying to fit prepayment meters.

We'll only look at disconnection in extreme circumstances and as a totally last resort. For instance, if the supply has been fraudulently used or where there are other circumstances preventing us fitting prepayment meters.

I know you say we've told you it 'may not be possible' to fit prepayment meters but the circumstances you describe seem a little unusual. I would ask for clarification.

We do pass on the costs of applying for and carrying out warrants. This will be added to the debt on your account.

If we do fit prepayment meters, the debt will be put on the meter to collect at a set amount each week.

You definitely need to talk to us, though, and I'd suggest contacting our Vulnerable Customer Team. As you've young children in the property, this team may be able to help. We certainly don't disconnect vulnerable customers.

I know it must seem daunting at the moment but we do need to come to some arrangement and this is best done by talking to us. Hope this points you in the right direction.

Malc

chanz4

I can 100% say meters for gas do get fitted outside, either semi concealed where the read is ontop and sits in the ground or a normal wall meter.

Inregards to the electric they can extend the tails and take distribution out with them to lower the cutout and board.

I dont agree with the eon rep, the actual warrant is a warrant of entry to either cut off or fit a pre-pay. However this time of year it will be to fit a pre-pay.

Inregards to who ever you have spoke to about the gas is talking ....